Building Blocks of Belonging is a three-part virtual series created for Bay Area Jewish educators and clergy who are committed to creating spaces of LGBTQ+ belonging in their organizations. The Bay Area has been a leader in inclusion and belonging efforts, but we know there is always more work to do. This series will build upon that strong foundation, ensuring our communities are places where LGBTQ+ Jews can thrive.
We are living in uncertain times that can feel scary for so many, but the Jewish community and LGBTQ+ community have long histories of resilience. We can use the wisdom from the past to help us navigate this moment while we work for a better future. As Educators and Clergy we have the opportunity to impart these critical lessons.
In this session we will look at texts that speak to strengthening a hope practice through the burnout so many of us are feeling. We will learn from pivotal moments of resilience in Jewish and LGBTQ+ history. We will brainstorm ways we can strengthen our hope and resilience to sustain us in the important work we get to do everyday. Register!
There are many ways to build LGBTQ+ affirming organizations! This session we will dive into three main organizational areas. We will discuss programming and curriculum: what we do. We will examine organizational and programmatic policy: how we say we do it. We will explore and brainstorm how to build a culture of belonging: the environment we create.
There will be opportunities for participants to brainstorm LGBTQ+ affirming programming and lesson planning, and we will support each other in drafting our own statements of belonging and inclusion for the classroom and/or organization. Register!
Creating spaces where all people feel celebrated is holy and just work. Still, the path to creating spaces of belonging can sometimes be a bumpy one. In this session we will go through some of the most common types of pushback organizations and educators face and bust common misconceptions about creating spaces that affirm the LGBTQ+ community. We will learn tools to effectively navigate this type of pushback from stakeholders and practice having these difficult conversations.
Because this work is ongoing, this session will conclude with a look at how to continue mobilizing your community and building spaces where all people can feel seen, valued, and thrive! Register!
National Office - Boston
1860 Washington St.
Newton, MA 02466
Phone: 617.524.9227
New York / Bay Area / Chicago / Florida / Texas
